What is you're idea of the "Iraqi Insurgents/terrorist?" Are they cold blooded killers or brave soldier

Question

I just read an article written by Jill Carroll, and the picture she paints a different picture of her captors than I've seen on the news. We have been led along, being shown they are basic murderers and animals. But her writing doesn't really reflect that.

Answer 1

I think you have to rid yourself of the notion that you can neatly categorize combatants in any war. People have been really struggling with the idea that some of the US soldiers are bad enough people to have committed the crimes they are accused of, even though the accusers are the military which hired them. The fact is, there are bad people in any crowd.

I think a lot of the Iraqi fighters wholeheartedly believe the US is an invader that has caused great harm to Iraq, while trying to spin the reasons for their invasion in the eyes of the world by claiming it was done for noble reasons. I think they fight to rid a country they love of an attacker.

I think a lot of fighters have moved into Iraq from other countries to further their agenda of 'holy war.' I'm betting that religion also significantly motivated Bush from the outset, so they have got what they wanted. I personnally find the entire idea of killing people over religious beliefs despicable, so I think their actions are inexcuseable. On both sides.

Probably the difficulty you're having is, it's easy to paint a picture of a terrible person when you don't ever have to get to know the person. If you don't have to learn that he laughs and cries, loves and grieves, has children he loves, and shares many of the same fears as other people.

Jill Carroll was in a terrifying situation, but one where she got up close and personal with her captors. She tells the story of human beings we can relate to on some level.

Professionals dub identifying with captors 'Helsinki Syndrome,' which makes it sound like hostages have some sort of temporary insanity that causes them to see their captors as anything other than evil. In truth, people always identify with other people. In extraordinary situations, interactions and emotions intensify. People relate to one another on a much less superficial level than usual, because they are intensely aware that time is short. That's true if they're trying to save a beached whale, or fight a wildfire, or rescue starving children in Africa. It's also true in dangerous situations where everyone is contemplating their own death and/or hoping they get out alive.

Jill Carroll put a human face on her captors. The media constantly tries to make us forget their humanity. It's sad that they succeed so well.




FYI, re: Stockholm vs Helsinki. Die hard X-files fan here.

Answer 2

I would tend to believe that Ms. Carroll is sympathizing with the terrorists because she lived in their midst for a few days and picked up a sense of their desperation and convoluted ideas about promulgating fundamentalist beliefs.

I think that it is basic human nature to want to sympathize with ones captors while in captivity. Sometimes, this feeling doesn't go away after one is released.

Remember, the same thing happened to Patty Hearst.

BTW, I didn't read Ms. Carroll's article.

Answer 3

What would you do if china attacked the US. not with bombs but putting troops on the ground. would you fight for your country even if you are not in the military. if you answered yes, than you are no better than the insurgents. besides the US went into iraq without the blessing of the UN , making it illegal. i don't think the insurgents are cold-blooded. i would kill anyone who threatened my family or home, and not feel one bit of regret.



and its stockholm syndrome not "helsinki" functionary. but other than that you're on point.
and americans have killed innocent iraqis would you call them brave, i think that YOU would. the civilians dying the beheadings, in a normal world these are almost unheard of. but war is ugly, in nearly every war both sides have been guilty of war crimes, only when you lose the war do you pay for what you have done. what makes you think this would be a "fair" war.

Answer 4

of course not, our media puts their own spin on it. We are at war with Iraq they want us to see them has horrible people.

There is 2 sides to every story, and even a terrorist has a mother!

They are real people too, and feel that their country is being occupied and they want us out!

If you watch international news you see many more human interest stories about Iraqis - we just dont see it in the US

Answer 5

We will find out soon,, when the 20 million Mexican army that has invaded the USA attacks,, WE will then be called the "insurgents".
Then we will know what it feels like to try to take back Dallas from the "NEW GOVERNMENT" of the U.S.A. of M.

Answer 6

This is a difficult question to answer.

Anytime one human being acts violently toward another human being heaven/paradise/universe weeps.

Since time is the great equilizer, we all will one day wind up in the same place.

Have fun but be safe.

Answer 7

They are simply guerillas trying to expel illegal invaders. You really have to realize the harm we brought to that nation even before the invasion to understand the revulsion they have for Americans.

Answer 8

if you believe they are brave solider than can you please exp lane to me why they are killing other iraqi people by the thousands
i think there were over 4000 iraqis killed last month but what brave solders ?